Charcoal starting device and method

ABSTRACT

A charcoal igniting device includes an envelope, a frusto-conical conduit, and a base. The envelope has an envelope height and an envelope width, the envelope height is greater than the envelope width. The envelope sidewall defines a series of holes. The envelope has an upper envelope rim and a lower envelope rim. The frusto-conical conduit is disposed concentrically within the envelope. The conduit has a conduit sidewall impregnated with wax, an upper conduit rim, an ignition element disposed upon the upper conduit rim, and a lower conduit rim. The base defines a series of holes disposed through the base. The base has an outer base perimeter mated to the lower envelope rim and an inner base perimeter mated to the lower conduit rim.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a charcoal ignition device. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a device for storing and ignition of charcoal and a method of fabricating the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally known that charcoal is utilized as a fuel source for cooking or grilling foodstuffs. Typically, a supply of charcoal is placed on a grating of a grill and ignited. Once the charcoal has formed uniformly alighted coals, the foodstuffs may be grilled. To accelerate ignition, conventional charcoal may include various flammable waxes and/or petroleum distillates. However, even with these accelerants, rapid coal formation is not guaranteed. In addition, rapid, even coal formation is typically facilitated by stacking the charcoal in a pile. Unfortunately, charcoal is generally dusty and this very dark or black dust may be messy or otherwise objectionable to some individuals. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a device for igniting charcoal that is capable of overcoming the disadvantages described herein at least to some extent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in some embodiments device for igniting charcoal is provided.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a charcoal igniting device. The charcoal igniting device includes an envelope, a frusto-conical conduit, and a base. The envelope has an envelope height and an envelope width, the envelope height is greater than the envelope width. The envelope sidewall defines a series of holes. The envelope has an upper envelope rim and a lower envelope rim. The frusto-conical conduit is disposed concentrically within the envelope. The conduit has a conduit sidewall impregnated with wax, an upper conduit rim, an ignition element disposed upon the upper conduit rim, and a lower conduit rim. The base defines a series of holes disposed through the base. The base has an outer base perimeter mated to the lower envelope rim and an inner base perimeter mated to the lower conduit rim.

Another embodiment of the present invention pertains to an improved charcoal igniting device. The improved charcoal igniting device including a container, conduit, base, and supply of charcoal. The container has a container sidewall, an upper container rim, and a lower container rim. The conduit is disposed concentrically within the container and has a conduit sidewall, an upper conduit rim, and a lower conduit rim. The base has an outer base perimeter mated to the lower container rim and a centrally located orifice mated to the lower conduit rim. A container volume is defined by an interior of the container sidewall, an upper surface of the base, and an exterior surface of the conduit sidewall. The supply of charcoal is disposed in the container volume. The improvement includes a series of holes defined by the container sidewall to facilitate an ingress of air therein, a supply of wax impregnated in the conduit sidewall to provide a fuel to ignite the supply of charcoal and an ignition element disposed upon the upper conduit rim. In response to ignition of the ignition element, the paraffin impregnated conduit sidewall burns and draws air upwardly through the conduit and inwardly and upwardly through the series of holes in the container sidewall and a flame front proceeds in an inverted cone downwardly through the supply of charcoal.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a charcoal igniting device. In this method a envelope and con is generated, the cone is infused with wax, and a bottom panel is affixed to the envelope. The envelope and cone are generated from a envelope pattern. The cone includes a ignition element disposed at an upper opening of the cone. The bottom panel includes an outer diameter corresponding to a bottom rim of the envelope and an inner orifice having a diameter corresponding to a lower rim of the cone. The lower rim of the cone is affixed to the inner orifice of the bottom panel.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a hidden line, perspective view of a charcoal igniting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the charcoal igniting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the pre-cut and pre-scored blanks suitable for use in the charcoal igniting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the charcoal igniting device during the ignition process according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the charcoal igniting device according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides, in some embodiments, a charcoal starting or igniting device and a method of fabricating the charcoal igniting device. In general, the charcoal igniting device includes an envelope or container configured to retain a supply of charcoal. For the purpose of this disclosure, an envelope is defined as a structure to enclose or partially enclose a space, volume, or item. This envelope includes a fiber-based sheet stock such as, for example, fiberboard, corrugated fiberboard, and the like. For the purpose of this disclosure, the term, “fiberboard” is defined as at least including, for example, paper, paperboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, cellulosic, and/or resinous material which is similar in character to fiberboard, and which is manipulated in the same or similar manner as fiberboard. This includes any suitable material capable of being folded from a blank. In this regard, the term “blank” refers to at least a piece or unit of fiberboard that is cut or scored and/or suitable for folding into a particular conformation such as a box, base, cone, lid, or tube.

In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method of fabricating the charcoal igniting device. In this method, the various components of the charcoal igniting device may be assembled and packaged for storage, transport, and sales.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. As shown in FIG. 1, a charcoal ignition device 10 includes an outer container or envelope 12, cone 14, and base 16. Together, these components define a volume suitable for retaining a supply of charcoal 18.

The envelope 12 is optionally cylindrical in shape and is relatively taller than it is wide. The envelope 12 may be fabricated from any suitable sheet good. In a particular example, the envelope 12 may be fabricated from paperboard or the like. The envelope 12 includes a set of holes or vents 20 disposed at or near a lower rim of the envelope 12. As described herein, the vents 20 provide for an ingress of air to provide oxygen for the burning charcoal 18.

In various examples, the set of vents 20 may include one or more individual vents. The vents may be round or rounded, square, rectangular, polygonal, or the like. Generally, the set of vents 20 are sized and shaped to reduce the likelihood that the charcoal will spill out therefrom. The set of vents 20 may be arranged about the circumference of the envelope 12 in one or more rows.

The cone 14 is frusto-conical in shape and generally tapers from a relatively wide base to a relatively more narrow upper rim. The cone 14 serves as a conduit or conveyance device to draw air from below the charcoal ignition device 10 and bring fresh, oxygenated air into the interior of the charcoal ignition device 10. The cone 14 may be fabricated from any suitable sheet good. In a particular example, the cone 14 may be fabricated from paperboard or the like. In addition, this paperboard cone maybe infused or coated in a fuel or accelerant such as wax, resin, petroleum distillate, or the like. In a particular example, the cone is infused with paraffin wax. The cone 14 optionally includes a wick or ignition element 22 disposed on or proximate to the upper rim. If included, the ignition element 22 provides a device or convenient location to initiate ignition of the charcoal ignition device 10. Alternatively, the upper rim of the cone 14 may be lit directly to initiate ignition.

The base 16 is generally shaped as an annular disk and provides a bottom panel that connects the bottom rim of the envelope 12 to the bottom rim of the cone 16. The base 16 may include any suitable sheet good. In a particular example, the base 16 may be fabricated from paperboard or the like. Optionally, the base 16 includes a set of bottom openings or vents 24. If included, the set of bottom vents 24 provide for an ingress of air to provide oxygen for the burning charcoal 18.

In various examples, the set of bottom vents 24 may include one or more individual vents. The vents may be round or rounded, square, rectangular, polygonal, or the like. Generally, the set of bottom vents 24 are sized and shaped to reduce the likelihood that the charcoal will spill out therefrom. The set of bottom vents 24 may be arranged in a circular or other such pattern upon the base 16.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the charcoal igniting device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of the charcoal igniting device 10 may include a plurality of tabs 26 to provide bonding surfaces. In a particular example, the lower rim of the envelope 12 and the lower rim of the cone 14 may include the tabs 26 to facilitate bonding to the base 16. In this regard, the base 16 may include an inner base 16 a and an outer base 16 b. The tabs 26 may be sandwiched between the inner base 16 a and outer base 16 b to provide greater bonding strength.

To generate the bond, an adhesive may be applied to the tabs 26 and/or to one or both of the inner base 16 a and outer base 16 b. With the tabs 26 disposed between the inner base 16 a and outer base 16 b, the inner base 16 a and outer base 16 b may be urged together and held thusly until the adhesive sets.

Also shown in FIG. 2, the wick 22 may include a plurality of wicks 22 a. In a particular example, a series of cuts may be made into the upper rim of the cone 14 to generate a series of wicks 22 a circumscribing the upper rim of the cone 14. More particularly, a series of eight cut may be made about the circumference of the upper rim of the cone 14. The resulting tabs are configured to provide a relatively greater surface area that is made available to ignite the charcoal igniting device 10. To further facilitate ignition, one or more of the wicks 22 a may be folded outwardly. Optionally, an accelerant may be added to one or more of the wicks 22 a. In a particular example, an end user may place a wax, petroleum distillate, or other such accelerant on or around the wicks 22 s to facilitate ignition.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pre-cut and pre-scored blank suitable for use in the charcoal igniting device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the blank for the envelope 12 may include a strip of paperboard that is rolled upon itself to generate a cylinder. Adhesive may be applied to all or a portion of the blank to affix the envelope 12. In a particular example, the adhesive may be applied to one or more gluing areas 28. In addition, to generate a uniform diameter, the blank for the envelope 12 may be wrapped around a form (not shown).

Similarly, the blank for the cone 14 may include the gluing areas 28 for the application of the adhesive. The blank for the cone 14 may also be wrapped around a form (not shown) to generate a consistently sized component. Subsequently, the formed cone 14 may be immersed in wax or other such accelerant to infuse the accelerant therein.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view A-A of the charcoal igniting device 10 during the ignition process according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, following ignition of the ignition element 22, a flame 30 proceeds downwardly via the wick towards the cone 14. During an initial phase, a flame front proceeds through the volume of charcoal as indicated by the region 32. That is, flame 30 proceeds further downwardly along the cone 14 and outwardly into the supply of charcoal 18 in a generally inverted cone shape. It is an advantage of embodiments of the charcoal igniting device 10 that the envelope 12 remains largely or entirely unconsumed during the initial and into an intermediate phase. During this intermediate phase, the flame front proceeds through the volume of charcoal as indicated by the region 34. In this manner, the supply of charcoal 18 remains confined within the charcoal ignition device 10 and is therefore more likely to ignite. In contrast, if the envelope 12 were to ignite during the initial phase, the structural integrity of the envelope 12 may be compromised and the supply of charcoal 18 may fall from the charcoal ignition device 10 without first being ignited.

During a later phase the flame front proceeds through the volume of charcoal as indicated by the region 36 and the envelope 12 is largely consumed by the flame 30. However, the consumption of the cone 14 may progress relatively faster and thereby increases the likelihood that the supply of charcoal 18 will fall inwardly. This inward settling of the supply of charcoal 18 consolidates the supply of charcoal 18 and facilitates rapid, even coal combustion development. Also shown in FIG. 4, the cone 14, set of vents 20, and set of bottom vents 24 provide a supply of fresh, oxygenated air to the flame 30 as indicated by flow lines 38.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the charcoal igniting device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention that is wrapped or covered in a wrapper 40. In general, the wrapper 40 provides an envelope to retain the supply of charcoal 18 and any dust from the supply of charcoal 18. In addition, the wrapper may provide a surface upon which to place a label. Also shown in FIG. 5, the wrapper 40 may include a handle 42. The handle 42 may provide a ready surface to grasp and carry the charcoal ignition device 10. In a particular example, the handle 42 may include a flat or storage conformation and a carrying conformation.

The wrapper 40 may further include a tear strip 44 configured to facilitate tearing the wrapper 40 open. For example, the tear strip 44 may include a string disposed below the wrapper 40. By pulling on the tear strip 44, the wrapper 40 may be torn about the circumference of the charcoal ignition device 10. Thereafter, the wrapper 40 may easily be removed in preparation for ignition.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A charcoal igniting device comprising: an envelope having an envelope height and an envelope width, the envelope height being greater than the envelope width, the envelope having; an envelope sidewall defining a series of holes; an upper envelope rim; and a lower envelope rim; a frusto-conical conduit disposed concentrically within the envelope, the conduit having; a conduit sidewall impregnated with wax; an upper conduit rim; an ignition element disposed proximate the upper conduit rim; and a lower conduit rim; and a base defining a series of holes, the base having an outer base perimeter mated to the lower envelope rim and an inner base perimeter mated to the lower conduit rim.
 2. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 1, wherein the conduit includes a fiber-based paperboard.
 3. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 1, further comprising an envelope volume defined by an interior of the envelope sidewall, an upper surface of the base, and an exterior surface of the conduit sidewall, wherein in response to ignition of the ignition element, the wax impregnated conduit sidewall burns and draws air upwardly through the conduit and inwardly and upwardly through the series of holes in the sidewall and wherein a flame front proceeds in an inverted cone downwardly through a supply of charcoal disposed in the envelope volume.
 4. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 3, wherein the supply of charcoal is about 0.5 kilograms (Kg) to about 4 Kg.
 5. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 4, wherein the supply of charcoal is about 1 Kg to about 2 Kg.
 6. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 1, further comprising: a wrapper incasing the envelope.
 7. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 6, further comprising: a handle disposed on an upper surface of the wrapper, the handle having a storage conformation being in a plane substantially parallel to a plane described by the upper envelope rim.
 8. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 6, further comprising: a tear away opener to release the wrapper from the envelope.
 9. The charcoal igniting device according to claim 1, wherein the ignition element includes a series of slits cut into the upper conduit rim.
 10. In a charcoal igniting device comprising: a container, the container having a container sidewall, an upper container rim, and a lower container rim; a conduit disposed concentrically within the container, the conduit having a conduit sidewall, an upper conduit rim, and a lower conduit rim; a base defining: an outer base perimeter mated to the lower container rim; and a centrally located orifice having an edge mated to the lower conduit rim, wherein a container volume is defined by the container sidewall, the base, and an exterior surface of the conduit sidewall; the improvement comprising: a series of holes defined by the container sidewall to facilitate an ingress of air therein; a supply of wax impregnated in the conduit sidewall to provide a fuel to ignite the supply of charcoal; and an ignition element disposed on the upper conduit rim, wherein in response to ignition of the ignition element, the wax impregnated conduit sidewall burns and draws air upwardly through the conduit and inwardly and upwardly through the series of holes in the container sidewall, and a flame front proceeds in an inverted cone downwardly through the container volume.
 11. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 10, wherein the conduit includes a fiber-based paperboard.
 12. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 10, wherein the container volume can accommodate a supply of charcoal of about 0.5 kilograms (Kg) to about 4 Kg.
 13. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 12, wherein the supply of charcoal is about 1 Kg to about 2 Kg.
 14. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 10, further comprising: a wrapper incasing the outer container.
 15. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 14, further comprising: a handle disposed on an upper surface of the wrapper, the handle having a storage conformation being in a plane substantially parallel to a plane described by the upper container rim.
 16. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 14, further comprising: a tear away opener to release the wrapper from the outer container.
 17. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 10, further comprising: a series of holes disposed through the base to facilitate an ingress of air into the container volume.
 18. The improved charcoal igniting device according to claim 10, wherein the ignition element includes a series of slits cut into the upper conduit rim.
 19. A method of fabricating a charcoal igniting device, the method comprising: generating a envelope from a envelope pattern; generating a cone from a cone pattern, wherein the cone includes an ignition element disposed at an upper opening of the cone; infusing the cone with wax; affixing a bottom panel to the envelope, the bottom panel including an outer diameter corresponding to a bottom rim of the envelope, the bottom panel including an inner orifice having a diameter corresponding to a lower rim of the cone; and affixing the lower rim of the cone to the inner orifice of the bottom panel.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: filling the charcoal igniting device with charcoal.
 21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: incasing the filled charcoal igniting device with a wrapper. 